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The Denver Broncos (4-12) turned in a very good effort against the heavily favored Kansas City Chiefs, but they still ended up with their 15th straight loss to their AFC West rivals in a 27-24 back-and-forth battle in Kansas City. This was Denver’s first game since firing head coach Nathaniel Hackett, and unlike that horror show against the Los Angeles Rams, they actually put in a credible, functional shift.
Russell Wilson’s last game against the Chiefs saw him leave with a terrifying concussion. On this occasion he had one of his best games, going 26/38 for 222 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 1 lost fumble, but two rushing touchdowns. This option TD is honestly the fastest I’ve seen him look in a good while.
We you, 3️⃣!
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 1, 2023
: CBS pic.twitter.com/5fkjDlRd78
Denver took the lead in the 3rd quarter on a touchdown over the middle to a wide open Albert Okweugbunam.
Hey-O, Albert O!@AOkwuegbunam | : CBS pic.twitter.com/sjlDVpvmar
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 1, 2023
Patrick Mahomes is inevitable, of course. A lack of offense in the 3rd quarter gave way to a couple of touchdown passes to Blake Bell and Jerick McKinnon, the latter of which came after a Wilson interception to L’Jarious Sneed.
Right when we Sneeded him most pic.twitter.com/ewuUcShFHi
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 1, 2023
Wilson had one last chance to pull off a shocking upset, but the offensive line boldly decided not to block Chris Jones and that was a wrap. There was some controversy over this not being roughing the passer considering the refusal by the officials to blow the whistle. This did end up going down as a sack instead of an incomplete pass.
Still trying to process what happened during this pivotal moment in the game.
— Nick Ferguson (@NickFerguson_25) January 2, 2023
(1)No offside on #55 Frank Clark
(2)Why was this play not flagged for Unnecessary Roughness on #95 Chris Jones. #BroncosCountry what do you think about this play? ♂️ pic.twitter.com/5WROjtx0V3
Mahomes sealed the win with a 3rd down conversion to Travis Kelce.
Draft Pick Status: The Seahawks currently pick at 3rd overall and thanks to some mostly favorable results, Denver’s first-rounder is guaranteed to be no lower than 5th overall. It can be a high as 2nd if the Broncos lose and the Chicago Bears beat the Minnesota Vikings.
Next week: The Broncos wrap up a uniquely miserable season with a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers (10-6), kickoff time TBD. Los Angeles still needs to win to clinch the #5 seed so they won’t be sitting starters.
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